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Wine Tour Suggestions

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#1 SacKen

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Posted 28 July 2014 - 04:28 PM

I'm planning a limo/party-bus trip through wine country for a birthday party and was wondering if the fine folks of MyFolsom have any suggestions.  Any good or bad experiences with local limo companies?  Should I go El Dorado or Amador wine country?  I've been told that Amador is better for hitting multiple wineries since they are closer together and has less traffic (this will be early October, so Apple Hill will be in effect).


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#2 ducky

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Posted 28 July 2014 - 04:36 PM

I really enjoyed The Big Crush in Amador County.  I believe it's October 4th & 5th this year.  There was food to pair with the wine at every stop. Last year they had some really good bbq'd oysters in a wine reduction at Helwig.  I'm hoping to do it again this year.  We had a DD so didn't use a limo. I'm sure whatever you decide will be fun.  That's a good time of year to visit the wineries.



#3 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 28 July 2014 - 05:32 PM

Amador, for sure.  and I would say you are lucky the fire didn't burn up the favorites!


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#4 Steve Heard

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Posted 28 July 2014 - 05:33 PM

Touring the wine country has been a favorite pastime of mine for about 30 years, so I might be able to help. 

 

First, are you going to go on a tour and let the limo company select the wineries or will you do choose them yourself? If you let them choose, just know that they are going with ones they have relationships with, which may or may not be the best ones for you.

 

Second, weekday or weekend? Weekends can be tough, particularly if you are going during Apple Hill, Big Crush or other major events. Apple Hill can be particularly tough because you inevitably have to get on Carson Rd, which is one lane in each direction, and between people trying to turn into the farms, enter the road from the farms, and look for parking near the farms, the road can become impassible. My suggestion would be the Plymouth area or Fairplay.

 

There are many wineries, large and small.

 

What about your audience? Are they young and adventurous? Older and need to be close to the door? Experts or novices? 

 

Like 'em fancy or casual?  How many wineries do you want to visit? Will you be bringing food or looking for some? Looking to linger and hang out on the grounds or taste and go?

 

Also note that limos aren't always welcome at all wineries.

 

Quite often the people who come via limo start drinking while enroute, so they can arrive at the wineries already lit up, and as such, can be rowdy, loud, crude and obnoxious. They also have a reputation for drinking and not buying.

 

Some wineries charge a tasting fee for the limo people and/or require advance notice or reservations, and some might even have signs reading 'No limos or buses'.

 

I can suggest some wineries if you like, based on what you're looking for. 


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#5 Tyto Alba

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Posted 28 July 2014 - 09:48 PM

I'm planning a limo/party-bus trip through wine country for a birthday party and was wondering if the fine folks of MyFolsom have any suggestions.  Any good or bad experiences with local limo companies?  Should I go El Dorado or Amador wine country?  I've been told that Amador is better for hitting multiple wineries since they are closer together and has less traffic (this will be early October, so Apple Hill will be in effect).

Sutter Creek is a good stop.  They have one stop wine tasting shops that serve wines and promote most of the wineries in the area.    They have other shops and vendors for your guests if the choose to mix  the activities for the day.    There are also good food and coffee shops.

 

I am a big wine drinker but after the second winery stop...mixing all the different wines hits the drinker hard.



#6 ducky

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 05:15 AM

Sutter Creek is a good stop.  They have one stop wine tasting shops that serve wines and promote most of the wineries in the area.    They have other shops and vendors for your guests if the choose to mix  the activities for the day.    There are also good food and coffee shops.

 

I am a big wine drinker but after the second winery stop...mixing all the different wines hits the drinker hard.

 

I like Scott Harvey and Sera Fina in Sutter Creek.  I find that, even with a food or picnic stop and only tasting, not drinking, I can only handle so many stops and then I'm wined out, but that just means there's new places to visit for next time.



#7 Deb aka Resume Lady

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 07:24 AM

If you love red wine, go to Terra D'Oro. The TDO (upper end) wines are superb. If anyone in your group prefers sweet wines, go to Charles Spinetta -- very close to TDO.


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#8 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 11:16 AM

if we are getting specific, I would go to Turley and Skinner for sure.  Turley has been written up lately and is making excellent wines.  Skinner is too.  Both have friendly approachable tasting rooms that aren't trying to overwhelm you with stuff to buy.  Bojorn has an interesting sparkling rose, but I can't stand the attitude in that place.  

 

I recommend you take a picnic lunch and lots of snacks and water with you.  you know how europeans are always drinking wine?  well, they never do it without eating something at the same time.  crackers aren't going to sustain you and your group.  its a long drive from shenandoah valley back to any decent food.  There is Beth Sogaard's little cafe in Plymouth, which is just okay.  I recommend you get some great sandwiches, slaw salads, fruit, and some kind of dessert and pack it in a nice basket for the trip.  then you can taste a little before lunch, eat lunch, and then taste some more after and not feel the effects from the alcohol.  many of the wineries have outside tables and benches where you are welcome to bring a picnic.  just be sure you buy a bottle of theirs to enjoy with your lunch.  :) 


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#9 cw68

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 12:06 PM

Without knowing the crowd, I could recommend these four wineries in Amador, which are fairly close to each other on (or just off of) Shenandoah Road. None of them are huge; the first two are small and the second two more polished. It would give a good showing of a variety of wines but doesn't include Napa-style wineries like Renwood, Villa Tuscano, Andis (not my bag). 

 

Start at Amador Foothill Winery (which just closed escrow to sell to the old owners of Lava Cap), where it's small and friendly with excellent wines. Their rose is particularly tasty (think Euro rose, not white zin, not sweet).

 

Then head to Karly Winery, which is about five minutes away. Napa's Turley Winery bought them a couple of years ago, so it's not the same kitchen tasting room, but they make good wines. Their Sav Blanc is pretty good, which is unusual in a region known for reds.

 

Then turn at Vino Noceto (hit on the way out), to visit Terre Rouge/Easton, which is just a few minutes away. Terre Rouge focuses on Rhone varietals and Easton on more Californian varietals. Easton Zins are terrific. 

 

Then on your way out, make your final stop at Vino Noceto. You can end with a killer grappa - they make a few different ones. This Italian wine house makes a really yummy Frivolo (a light Muscato), a few different Sangioveses of note, as well as the grappa,

 

 
If you want to go to Fairplay, you'd spend a little more time in the car, but the scenery is gorgeous, then I'd recommend this route:

 

Start at Toogood Winery (named after Paul Toogood) where you can wine taste in a cave. My favorite zin house. I've been a member there and enjoyed just about every wine they sent me, though the zins are tops.

 

Then about 10 minutes away is Cantiga Winery, which might be the single best winery around, definitely one of the best secrets. Rich will tell you a headfull about his wines while you taste old-world wines including reds that are non-malolactic (and won't give you headaches). The wines are all designed to go with food, and they usually have food pairings with them. You could picnic there.

 

About 15 minutes from there is Holly's Hill which makes Rhone varietals. It has amazing views. They have wines that aren't as plentiful elsewhere in region, like Rousanne, Mourvedre and (a favorite of mine) a blend called Patriarche. Grab a bottle and drink it on the way to the next stop which is...

 

Poor Red's for Golden Cadillacs and BBQ for dinner, which is about 20 minutes away back toward 50. Crucial to have a designated driver for this stop!

 

Dang, it's making me want to go wine taste right now!



#10 chris v

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 12:32 PM

Is Poor Reds even open anymore?

#11 cw68

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 12:39 PM

Is Poor Reds even open anymore?


Hmm, looks like it isn't. :(

#12 SacKen

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 01:39 PM

The trip will probably be the second Saturday, a week after that Crush event.

 

A limo or small bus is needed since this is a birthday party to celebrate reaching the top of life's hill before tumbling over. There's at least a dozen of us going, all within sight of the hill on both sides.  We've done Passport at the El Dorado wineries in the past with a bus and a group and had a lot of fun, but it has been quite a few years.  We wanted to do something similar.

 

We're all seasoned and experienced wine consumers that have (mostly) outgrown the desire to do this just for the sake of getting turnt up.  So I don't think the winery will need to sic security on us.  And this group definitely won't have a problem buying if they like the wine!

 

The goal with the itinerary is to minimize driving time so we can spend more time hanging out at wineries that have nice scenery or facilities while we sip and snack.

 

This is why I figured a limo company that has done this a lot would be the easiest path to success than me trying to plan out the day myself.  They know the successful routes and nice, group-friendly wineries so we don't get any surprise rejections.  I'm fine if they try to steer us to wineries they have a relationship with, as long as it's a good one.  Wine tasting is so subjective that I won't claim that any one is better than another. As long as we don't go to one that most people agree sucks or one with crappy facilities or location.

 

Baja Limo seemed to have a nice package and linked to this site with info: http://www.winetoursofamador.com/


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#13 Steve Heard

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 03:39 PM

 

Without knowing the crowd, I could recommend these four wineries in Amador, which are fairly close to each other on (or just off of) Shenandoah Road. None of them are huge; the first two are small and the second two more polished. It would give a good showing of a variety of wines but doesn't include Napa-style wineries like Renwood, Villa Tuscano, Andis (not my bag). 

 

Then on your way out, make your final stop at Vino Noceto. You can end with a killer grappa - they make a few different ones. This Italian wine house makes a really yummy Frivolo (a light Muscato), a few different Sangioveses of note, as well as the grappa,

 

About 15 minutes from there is Holly's Hill which makes Rhone varietals. It has amazing views. They have wines that aren't as plentiful elsewhere in region, like Rousanne, Mourvedre and (a favorite of mine) a blend called Patriarche. Grab a bottle and drink it on the way to the next stop which is...

 

I know that Renwood and Toscano are a little more commercialized and organized, but each can be fun. Renwood changed their format, and for $5, you can choose one of 4 or 5 flights available. They also have reasonably priced meat and cheese plates, olives, and other snacks.

 

Toscano makes hot sandwiches and pizzas, and has nice grounds. Their wines tend to get a little jammy.

 

I second Noceto. Great Sangiovese, and they have one of the last Doggie Diner heads in existence out back.

 

Holly's Hill has the only wine club of which I'm currently a member. They have great, award winning wines, have been written up in Sunset Magazine, and nice people to boot. They are a bit away from most of the wineries, but next to Sierra Vista, and close to Miraflores and Narrow Gate.

 

The trip will probably be the second Saturday, a week after that Crush event.

 

A limo or small bus is needed since this is a birthday party to celebrate reaching the top of life's hill before tumbling over. There's at least a dozen of us going, all within sight of the hill on both sides.  We've done Passport at the El Dorado wineries in the past with a bus and a group and had a lot of fun, but it has been quite a few years.  We wanted to do something similar.

 

We're all seasoned and experienced wine consumers that have (mostly) outgrown the desire to do this just for the sake of getting turnt up.  So I don't think the winery will need to sic security on us.  And this group definitely won't have a problem buying if they like the wine!

 

The goal with the itinerary is to minimize driving time so we can spend more time hanging out at wineries that have nice scenery or facilities while we sip and snack.

 

This is why I figured a limo company that has done this a lot would be the easiest path to success than me trying to plan out the day myself.  They know the successful routes and nice, group-friendly wineries so we don't get any surprise rejections.  I'm fine if they try to steer us to wineries they have a relationship with, as long as it's a good one.  Wine tasting is so subjective that I won't claim that any one is better than another. As long as we don't go to one that most people agree sucks or one with crappy facilities or location.

 

Baja Limo seemed to have a nice package and linked to this site with info: http://www.winetoursofamador.com/

 

You might find Sobon interesting, as it is a very old winery and has a museum (an old barn) full of old winery equipment and farming tools. If you pay $5 for their premium tasting (always recommended), you keep the glass and get free premium tasting at their sister winery, Shenandoah.

 

Deaver has picnic grounds and a scenic pond. Interesting dessert wines, if you like that sort of thing. 

 

Want small, simple and casual? Bray is the way. Love them. Most wines are pretty inexpensive, too. 

 

Runquist is great, with super-friendly folks, awesome wine, and they give you complimentary bread and cheese. 

 

Helwig has been winning some awards, and has nice views. 

 

Zin specialists? Story.

 

That's it for now.


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#14 cw68

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 03:52 PM

Wine is so subjective. Not impressed with Story at all. Neither with Sobon. And Deaver is more like a gift shop stop for me, but was good to visit when the kids were young and we had out-of-state visitors who wanted to go wine tasting. The lawn was great for them to run around so it was worth stopping and splitting a bottle out back.

Windwalker is a current fav.

Love wine tasting.

#15 Steve Heard

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Posted 29 July 2014 - 05:11 PM

Wine is so subjective. Not impressed with Story at all. Neither with Sobon. And Deaver is more like a gift shop stop for me, but was good to visit when the kids were young and we had out-of-state visitors who wanted to go wine tasting. The lawn was great for them to run around so it was worth stopping and splitting a bottle out back.

Windwalker is a current fav.

Love wine tasting.

 

Indeed. It's more than about the wine, but about the experiences.

 

As I said, for Deaver, it's about their dessert wines and the pond.

 

I'm not too much of a Toogood fan.

 

Windwalker has good wine, but I've never been to a tasting room where the people were less engaging, interested or interesting. Talking about the wine, or just plain conversation was lost on them.

 

Was Lava Cap sold?


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